KNEISEL HALL NEWS kneisel hall • • blue hill maine • fall 2018 The Season 2018 2018 Outreach In late June, I heard Kneisel Hall Young Artists play in a variety my first of of outreach concerts during the season, the season at Kneisel bringing their music to our neighbors in Hall. The first was the eastern Maine. Every week a plays “Continuum Concert,” at Parker Ridge to a large and appreciative a collaboration of audience. Over the course of the summer two members of the the audience and quartet become friends; continuing faculty, this year the musicians were invited for Laurie Smukler and dinner after the final concert. Another Qing Jiang, with three quartet presents children’s concerts at former Young Artists: the Blue Hill Library. The Library has a Michelle Ross, Jesse Yakimura and Sæunn Thorsteinsdottir. Their fine work together augured very well for These days the the coming season. The Young Artist second, the next after- concerts in mid- noon, was the concert July and early at the end of the Maine August tend students’ week. To be to be very well honest, I wasn’t expect- attended and ing much, since these much antici- students are all much pated. They younger than the Young never disap- Outreach in Deer Isle Artists (who have to be Laurie Smukler, Michelle Ross, Qing Jiang, Sæunn point and usu- 18). But I was constantly Thorsteinsdottir, Jesse Yakimura ally astonish. summer reading theme for young read- surprised to discover how well they played This year was no exception. One group— ers; the quartet fashions their concerts to and how important the music seemed to Rebecca Benjamin, ; Frankie Carr, the theme. Parker Ridge and the Library be to these young musicians. Their spirit ; and Anna Han, piano—played the offer opportunities for the Young Artists to and enthusiasm was infectious. The whole Beethoven Trio Op. 70, No. 2 flawlessly from program concerts and work with different weekend was a demonstration of Kneisel memory in July, after only a little more than types of audiences, invaluable skills as Hall’s determination to bring the joys of three weeks rehearsal time. Nikki Pet, a they move into the professional world. to all ages, from the very clarinetist who was youngest players to both young and sea- a Young Artist this At the end of soned professionals. (This summer’s Young season, played the first session Artists were arriving as the young Mainers pieces by Mozart, the Young Art- were playing.) Golijov and Mes- ists go on the saien, expanding road, taking their This weekend proved to be a harbinger the usual reper- music to neigh- of wonderful things to come. The faculty toire. The Elision bors in Bangor, concerts throughout the summer featured Quartet, a group Castine, Deer varied programs and a fine combination of of KH Young Art- Isle and South- old favorites and newer works. For exam- ists—Rebecca west Harbor. ple, one concert featured Beethoven’s Benjamin, Carter These concerts F-major sonata for cello and piano, a Coleman, Rose- differ from the string quartet by Mieczyslaw Weinberg mary Nelis and Parker Ridge (1959), Lei Liang’s recent “Gobi Canticle” Clara Abel—the Rebecca Benjamin, Frankie Carr, Anna Han and Library for violin and cello and the Fauré piano quartet-in-residence for the summer in concerts in that the programs are set by trio in D minor. Many audience members the new “Next Step” program, played part the faculty and feature as many Young commented on the excitement the concerts of the Beethoven Opus 132 in July, and the Artists ensembles from the first session generated over the summer. whole quartet in August. (They also played as possible. continued on page 6...

2018 Newsletter.indd 1 10/23/18 7:12 PM Kneisel Hall Program for Maine Students, 2018 The Kneisel Hall Program for Maine Stu- Through the years we have seen young From one parent: It’s clear you did a fantas- dents is a one-week chamber music inten- students mature into fine teen musicians tic job of creating balanced groups, finding sive for Maine string and piano students in who continue to pursue music in college appropriate music ... I’m sure it took a great June. Students must play at an interme- as an elective or as a major, often pursu- deal of time, but it was a huge part of the diate or advanced level, well enough to ing a double major. If we add up those program’s success. Second, you were play in a group with others. There are two who have come through our program, unfailingly positive and supportive, even as sessions; both sessions—the first for 9- to we count a minimum of twelve who are the kids were pushed to grow and achieve. 12-year-olds and the second for 13- The fact that my son was swept up in to 19-year-olds—share the major fea- the spirit of music making and total ture of playing in an ensemble with immersion, despite his occasional a Kneisel Hall Young Artist mentor. insecurities, is a testimony to your Imagine how this elevates each collective skills. Thanks so much ensemble! Moreover, the inspiration for a truly transformative experi- feeds off these college students who ence. ‘I’m definitely coming back already love chamber music and next year’—I think that says it all. want their students to appreciate it, As a musician and a parent, it just too. The infectious enthusiasm moti- couldn’t have been better. vates students to practice and play their absolute best. Whether planning a career in music or not, these students will have the This year the Program for Maine ability to pursue music with future cir- Students faculty welcomed violin- cles of friends. They will make music ist Katherine Liccardo to join Dr. Patricia presently involved professionally in music. a permanent feature of their lives and carry Stowell, piano; Marisa Solomon, cello and A graduating senior wrote: Playing the on a 200-year tradition. The final concert Scott Woolweaver, viola, who coached the Dvořák’s piano quintet with my group this was described by a very good adult ama- eleven ensembles. year was a wonderful experience, and teur cellist as: All of your hard work came although I’m sad it was my last summer, together in a memorable concert that was During the June 2018 program, the forty I’m happy to have been able to make so exciting for the musicians, their families,and plus Maine students prepared extra much amazing music over the years. friends. The repertoire, the proficiency, the music and worked more diligently than enthusiasm—also knowing the kids were ever before. In several instances, they After several years at the KH Maine Stu- there for just one week…knowing how learned additional movements, which they dent Program, students have a strong much effort many people have made to prepared for performance. The program’s exposure to several fundaments of music: get the young musicians where they are— importance to these students cannot be ear training, sight singing, music history these added up to a heady experience for overestimated. As one violinist expressed: and a smidgeon of conducting. Wher- everyone. Music is something they can do I love Kneisel! I get to play amazing cham- ever they are in their musical training, we throughout their lives, regardless of what ber music … with student musicians I give them the “next chapters” of materials profession they pursue. I think the experi- know from around the state. Our mentors they will need, or at least show them the ence you provided for these musicians will come from the best music schools in the direction. By the time teens are graduat- ensure that music remains an integral part country and inspire us to play better. And ing from high school, many of them have of their lives. the heads of the program are great people enough music theory knowledge to test Dr. Patricia Stowell who truly care about developing our musi- out of freshman theory in college. Director Program for cal talents and motivating us to succeed. ME Students

ACMI

Beethoven’s Archduke Trio, Mendelssohn’s in D minor, Haydn String Quartet in G Major, Beethoven’s String Trio in E-flat Major, Brahms’s Piano Quintet in F minor and Bruch’s Eight Pieces for Clarinet, Viola and Piano are a sampling of ACMI score studying the pieces studied and performed at this year’s ACMI. Rehearsing, sight reading, master classes, concerts, discussions, cocktails on the patio and the extraordinary meals from chef Zach make ACMI the participants’ favorite week of the year. Mark these dates on your calendar—August 11-18, 2019. Applications will be open January 1 on www.getacceptd.com. page 2 - Kneisel Hall News • www.kneisel.org • 207.374.2811

2018 Newsletter.indd 2 10/23/18 7:12 PM Composer Now 2018 Mario Davidovsky and Lei Liang were the composers-in-residence for the 2018 season (or almost). Mario Davidovsky was scheduled to visit in the first session but ill health prevented his traveling. We missed him. His piece Synchronisms No. 9 for violin and computer was performed by Laurie Smukler, Friday, July 13 and Sunday, July 15. A Young Artist quartet Lei Liang studied and performed his String Quartet No. 5 (“Dank an Opus 132”). music should be (and now will be) a piece of their experience readying them to be Lei Liang was on campus the last of July. Joel Krosnick, Lei Liang, Takae Ohnishi the performers of the future. To do this is His piece “Gobi Canticle for Violin and truly to become involved, articulate and Cello” was performed by David Bowlin music written today, into the fabric of the invested in the music of their time.” and Natasha Brofsky August 3 and 5 and music-making at Kneisel Hall,” Artistic “Song Recollections” was performed by Director Laurie Smukler explained. “We We are deeply grateful to Bitsy and Denny the Formosa Quartet September 2. Verge feel that working in depth on a composi- Bacon for their extreme generosity and Quartet was studied and performed by the tion by, and in the presence of, a living support of this important program. Young Artists second session. Mr. Liang composer; bringing it to life as is done gave a master class and discussed his with the pieces of the great work after the Festival Concerts. masters of the past, is important and appropriate training for our 2018 Faculty “The goal of Composers NOW (initiated in Young Artists. The study and 2016) is to integrate contemporary music, performance of contemporary Kneisel Hall / Tree of Life In July, Kneisel Hall Young Art- ists gave a concert for the Blue Hill food pantry, the Tree of Life. Admission was a donation. Kneisel Hall and Tree of Life sup- porters raised $2,000! It was such a success that we decided it will become an annual concert. SESSION ONE: Axel Strauss, Jane Coop, Doris Lederer, Laurie Smukler, Qing Jiang, Joel Krosnick, Ronald Copes, Barbara Mark your calendars—the 2019 Mallow, Dmitry Kouzov concert is Tuesday, July 23.

Tree of Life President Ray Manyak, Ellen Werner Kneisel Hall 2019: CHAMBER MUSIC PROGRAM: Carroll Young Artist Concerts: June 23– August 11 July 13, 15, 16; August 7, 8, 10

FESTIVAL CONCERTS: ACMI: August 11 – August 18 June 21 – September 1 Applications: KHBH – Together in Music: Chamber Music Program May and September TBA Program for Maine Students ACMI Program for Maine Students: SESSION TWO: June 15 – June 22 https://app.getacceptd.com/kneisel Back: Robert McDonald, Joel Smirnoff, David Bowlin, Katherine Master Classes: Murdock, Jerry Grossman July 3, 8, 10, 29, 31; August 5 Front: Laurie Smukler, Ira Weller, Roger Tapping, Natasha Brofsky, Barbara Mallow, Qing Jiang 207.374.2811 • www.kneisel.org • Kneisel Hall News - page 3

2018 Newsletter.indd 3 10/23/18 7:12 PM The Ensemble Program / The Next Step Kneisel Hall’s alumni often go on to successful careers as cham- time and space to work together and be coached on repertoire ber musicians. In some cases they perform in groups that were important for their future as an ensemble. It is in our mission “to either formed on enrich the artistic skills of our students.” campus when they were stu- The Elision String Quartet (Rebecca Benjamin and Carter Cole- dents or sub- man, ; Rosemary Nelis, viola; Clara Abel, cello) was the sequently with initial ensemble. Clara described her experience, “The Kneisel other Kneisel Hall Ensemble Program was an amazing opportunity to work Hall alumni. In and grow together with colleagues who have a shared passion their pre-profes- for chamber music—especially for quartet playing. The time sional form such we spent together at Kneisel taught me so much about the groups some- kind of chamber musician I want to become! Kneisel is a place times returned that has always encouraged deep thought and reflection, and to Kneisel Hall being there gave our quartet a unique opportunity for explora- where they tion that will remain in our minds and hearts for the rest of our Elision Quartet: Carter Coleman, Rebecca Benjamin, spent a summer musical lives. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for Kneisel, my Rosemary Nelis, Clara Abel studying and coaches and teachers there, and everything that this wondrous honing their chamber music skills before launching their profes- place has taught me.” sional careers together. This summer we formalized the process of supporting a pre-formed group, with the inauguration of The If your ensemble wishes to spend a summer of study at Kneisel Ensemble Program / The Next Step. Hall each musician must apply and be accepted separately. All groups, string , piano trios and piano quartets are invited. It is simply logical that Kneisel Hall should be a place known for The Kneisel Hall application may be found at www.getaccptd.com. offering a “next step” retreat for nurturing gifted young groups on the cusp of their careers; a place where the groups have the

Cabins The cabins that were a dream reported in THANK YOU Jose Soriano, last year’s newsletter were a dream come the entire 2018 board (who true this summer! Four new rehearsal donated a cabin in honor of spaces were available to the Young Art- Robin Clements’ presidency), ists and faculty and what a difference two anonymous donors, the they made. There was always space to designer Steve Shea and rehearse—three of the new spaces could builders EL Shea. accommodate large ensembles—sextets and piano quintets. Dorms—the good and the bad In 2007 Kneisel Hall built a much-needed we hawed and we kept pushing the deci- your custom- new dormitory (Lipkin/Werner) and par- sion out one more year (every year). We ary level). tially renovated an existing dorm (Stern). reached a point where we can’t push any Stern got new bathrooms, floors and an more. We needed to do something. Our talented outside makeover but the rooms were not Young Artists touched. Stern rooms have bunk beds, Contractor/designer Steve Shea designed deserve the awkward closets, one bureau to share a renovation that will mimic the rooms in best—they and a dismal common room. Lipkin/Werner, plus a new laundry. We give us their are raising $390,000 for the renovation. best efforts, In the eleven years since the renovation it The work will be finished by June 1, 2019. we need to give them ours. is apparent that the inequality between the Young Artists will move in June 15, 2019. Lipkin/Werner and Stern rooms is “just not If you would like to call us or have us call fair.” There is definitely the good and the One hundred percent of the Kneisel Hall you to discuss this project let us know (our bad (and yes, the ugly) that makes assign- Trustees has pledged to the project. To number is 207 374 2811). ing rooms difficult. We priced building a date we have $199,000. Please think of new dormitory and the rough estimate was what you can donate to this important proj- north of one million dollars. We hemmed, ect (while still keeping your annual gift at page 4 - Kneisel Hall News • www.kneisel.org • 207.374.2811

2018 Newsletter.indd 4 10/23/18 7:12 PM KHBH Kneisel Hall / Blue Hill: Together in Music “We felt privileged to work with many celebrated its fourth year of programs. bright and musical local kids at Blue Hill With the support of the Britton Fund, it Consolidated School, George Stevens was launched to foster a creative dialogue Academy and the Bay School. With the and invite everyone in the Blue Hill com- kids, we explored and celebrated the munity to participate in music making at diverse ways that individuals can respond the Hall. The residencies are designed to to the same piece of music. Students extend Kneisel Hall’s physical and musical reacted to music by Bartók and other resources beyond the summer programs composers by selecting emoji, writing sto- in order to connect and support the vital ries and making up titles. We delved into work of local arts and other organizations the performer’s role in interpreting a writ- in Blue Hill. At the Blue Hill Consolidated School ten score, and we even got the kids com- posing their own Each residency music through has been inclu- graphic notation! sive, imaginative After making the and intelligent. The graphic scores, artists have played we searched for at painting classes sounds that would at Parker Ridge, best convey the had a pajama shapes that we party for young had drawn and children at the At the Blue Hill Consolidated School At the Bay School the kids gave per- Library, worked with the bands in both formances of their own scores. (Memo- the grammar and high schools, included rably, one student discovered that the young Maine composers and performed buzzer from the game Taboo created their compositions and had full concerts the perfect sound for a giant orange in the Hall for the community. circle!) We were so impressed by the incredibly dedicated music teachers The program directors, violinist Clara whom we worked with: thank you, Steve Lyon and cellist Hannah Collins, have Orlofsky, Audrey Means, Bill Schubeck done/are doing an exemplary job. They and Meg Chittenden! Your students are conducted the first residencies and once very lucky indeed. the model was set, they invited other alumni to join, giving younger alumni At the Blue Hill Library with actors from the New Surry “Blue Hill is a place very dear to my opportunities to plan and execute the Theatre heart, and my experiences there as a programming. young college student were incredibly formative. It was won- derful to be back, and it was especially great to get a chance Clara and Hannah, with violist Jen Chang and Solon to work closely with the community outside of Kneisel Hall. My Gordon were the musicians for the May residency. Violinists colleagues and I were inspired by the heart and intelligence of Karen Dekker and Katherine Liccardo, violist Rose Hashimoto the people we encountered and by their deep appreciation for and cellist Ana Kim were in Blue Hill in September. Rose wrote music. There is so much potential for fruitful collaborations and of their time: “We recently returned from an inspiring residency meaningful interactions between Kneisel Hall musicians and with Kneisel Hall/Blue Hill: Together in Music. During our visit, the Blue Hill community, and I look forward to seeing all that will we gave 11 performances around the community, all based come out of this great partnership in the future!” around the theme of ‘Interpretation: Bringing Music to Life.’ Some of the highlights included a concert for a warm and attentive audience at Parker Ridge, two programs at the Blue Hill Library In Perpetuity and a pop-up performance outside my favorite local seafood joint, The Fish Net! In February Kneisel Hall received notice of a bequest: “The funds shall be used to establish a scholarship fund in Settlor’s “At the library, we explored musical and literary interpretation names to support the summer program.” Agnes and Kurt Guen with the help of some very talented actors from the New Surry had included Kneisel Hall in their estate. Sometime, years ago Theatre and the wonderful librarian Hannah Cyrus. It was emo- the Young Artists and the music touched the Guens. We were tional to hear the tomb scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and surprised and are extremely grateful. If Kneisel Hall music is Juliet read so beautifully right before the slow movement of important to you, a simple sentence in your will “I bequeath Beethoven’s String Quartet, Op. 18, No. 1 (a piece inspired by Kneisel Hall endowment $___” will ensure that Kneisel Hall Young that very scene). Artists have your support in perpetuity. How simple is that? 207.374.2811 • www.kneisel.org • Kneisel Hall News - page 5

2018 Newsletter.indd 5 10/23/18 7:12 PM ...The Concert Season 2018 continued from page 1 it at the annual Quarry Concert sponsored by Neil and Trudy Prior.) The last piece in the last concert— the Schubert Trio in B-flat Major, played by Juliette Greer, violin; Madelyn Kowalski, cello; and Anna Han, piano—was more than worth staying up late for.

The guest performances in late August and Septem- ber brought more excitement. The Chicago-based Spektral Quartet (including two alumnae, Clara Lyon and Maeve Feinberg) played quartets by Brahms, Schönberg and Eliza Brown (commissioned by the quartet). “Shattered Glass,” a conductorless string Braden McConnell, Chener Yuan, Ann Yu, orchestra with many former Kneisel Serena Hsu Schubert Trio: Juliette Greer, Anna Han, Madelyn Kowalski students in its ranks, played pieces ranging from the 17th century composer Heinrich von Biber to “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap, composed in 2005. The Formosa Quartet—three Kneisel alumni/ae of the four—played Schubert’s “Quar- tettsatz” and Bartók’s fourth quartet, but also recent pieces by Lei Liang and Dana Wilson commissioned for and by them. Like the Continuum Concert, these concerts show the Faculty discussion versatility and dedication of our Roger Tapping Master Class Young Artists as they have moved into the professional world. newcomers like Natasha Brofsky and Roger Tapping, as well as this year’s composer, Lei Liang, give audiences some sense of But these concerts what goes on in coaching sessions. The outreach concerts in are only a few of Castine, Southwest Harbor, Bangor and Deer Isle as well as the the many concerts new benefit for the Blue Hill Food Pantry “Music for Food,” all you can hear over feature Young Artists playing at their best. And KHBH continues summer at the Hall to feature alumni/ae who return to Blue Hill in May and September and elsewhere. The to engage students in the schools and at the Library, retirees at master classes, Parker Ridge and many members of the Blue Hill community. taught by long-time It’s getting hard to find a day without a concert. faculty members like Jane Coop and Elizabeth Harries Dmitri Kousov and (alumna, Trustee, Friday subscriber) Weinberg Quartet: Joel Krosnick, Katherine Murdock, Joel Smirnoff, Laurie Smukler 2019 Faculty Artistic Director Laurie Smukler announces the faculty and guests for next season — we can’t wait!

Violin: David Bowlin, Ronald Copes, Joel Smirnoff, Laurie Smukler, Axel Strauss

Viola: Doris Lederer, Katherine Murdock, Ira Weller

Cello: Jerry Grossman, Dmitry Kouzov, Gwen Krosnick, Joel Krosnick, Barbara Stein Mallow

Piano: Jane Coop, Qing Jiang, Ieva Jokubaviciute, Roberto Plano

Continuum Alumni: Rebecca Anderson, violin; Frank Shaw, viola; Julio Elizalde, piano

Guests: Darrett Adkins, cello Eduardo Leandro, percussion Ann Rodiger, Alexander Technique Calidore Quartet

page 6 - Kneisel Hall News • www.kneisel.org • 207.374.2811

2018 Newsletter.indd 6 10/23/18 7:12 PM Knisel Hall PO Box 648 Blue Hill, ME 04614 207.374.2811 • [email protected] Here is my/our donation in honor of the terrific 2018 season! $______

Here is my/our donation for the Dormitory Renovation Project $______

Please contact me for ways to sponsor the Young Artists and music in 2019.______

Isabella Bignasca, Yeim Lee, Yan Li Kneisel Hall Sweat Pants: qty:______size:______

Kneisel Hall Sweat Shirt: qty:______size:______

Kneisel Hall Store Kneisel Hall Fleece Vest: qty:______size:______Kneisel Hall Sweat Pants $40 + $7 shipping Black with white KNEISEL HALL up a leg Name:______Adult S, M, L Address:______Kneisel Hall Sweat Shirt $40 + $7 shipping Black or dark green with block KNEISEL on the front Adult S, M, L, XL City/Zip:______

Kneisel Hall Fleece Vest $40 + $7 shipping Email:______Black with white block KNEISEL on the chest Men S, M, L, XL; Women XS, S, M, L Phone:______

Board News Thank You to ALL our friends and supporters who make the season possible: At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees in August, Ellen Harris and Jeffrey • Drivers (rides to and from the airport and bus stations for the Young Artists: Kehl were voted in as co-presidents, Marilyn Heineman, Mollie Heron, Deborah Little, Susan Richardson, Marge Irvine as secretary-clerk and Betsey Harries, Ellen Harris, Eric Chase, Judith and Jon Dullnig. Susan Richardson as treasurer. Julia Cluett and Ken Kleeman were voted in • After the season ushering and parking: Susan Richardson, Kathleen Caldwell as new Trustees. Trustees Amy Britton, and Matt Freeman, Deborah Riley, Lee Lehto, Charles Guilford. Libbie Cluett and Nancy Hoppin retired; they were warmly thanked for their years • Flowers (every week!) for the stage: Marcia Thompson. of service (23 years between them!). The 2018/19 board: Norman Alt, Bitsy Bacon, • Housing our guests: Amy and Terry Britton, Libbie and Mark Cluett, Eric Chase. Julia Cluett, Charlie and Nancy Hoppin. Judith Dullnig, Ellen Harris, Betsey Harries, • The Blue Hill Fire Department and David Rackliffe, the fire Howard Harrison, safety officer, for running our yearly fire drill. Marilyn Heineman, Charles O Holland, • and special thanks to the Kneisel Hall support team; Margery Irvine, Jeff they make Kneisel Hall so the musicians can make music: Kehl, Kenneth Kleeman, Danielle Sargent, business manager; Wilt Jones, building Jae Lee Cosmos Lee, and grounds manager; Susan Guilford, ticket manager; Zach Deborah Little, Dr. and Jean Macarrone, chef and crew; and Ed Power, librarian. Charlotte Podolsky, Susan Richardson. Yeim Lee, Seho Young, Samuel DeCaprio 207.374.2811 • www.kneisel.org • Kneisel Hall News - page 7

2018 Newsletter.indd 7 10/23/18 7:12 PM KNEISEL HALL CHAMBER MUSIC NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PO Box 648 Blue Hill, Maine 04614 US POSTAGE PAID ELLSWORTH, ME 04605 PERMIT NO. 73

Kneisel Hall Cha mber Music Festival 2018

Laurie Smukler artistic director

Kneisel Hall PO Box 648 Blue Hill, ME 04614

2018 Newsletter.indd 8 10/23/18 7:12 PM